Rhino out for six months with pulmonary embolism

LEEDS RHINOS winger Ben Jones-Bishop has been ruled out of action for six months after being diagnosed with having a blood clot affecting his lung.

The 24-year-old, who scored 23 tries for the Super League champions last season, has been told by doctors to avoid contact during training for at least three months whilst he undergoes a course of treatment.

Jones-Bishop, who was apart of Steve McNamara's England elite training squad last season, told the Rhinos’ official website: "It is obviously disappointing to miss the start of the season but I am looking forward now and doing everything I can to get back as soon as I can once I am given the all clear.

“I am only able to do very light training at the minute and I will have another scan in a couple of weeks to see if I can increase that but I know I have to avoid contact for three months at least. It is a relief to get it diagnosed and get treatment and to know that it is not a life threatening condition."

He continued: “Generally I am in good health but as a sportsman you need to resolve these issues as soon as possible to make sure that you can perform to your maximum."

Leeds Rugby's head of medical services Dr Jon Greenwell said: "The condition was picked up by the medical and strength and conditioning staff during pre-season training and Ben was sent to see a specialist prior to Christmas.

“He has had a pulmonary embolism which has led to him needing treatment for three months and a consequence of that treatment is that he can not play rugby until after the treatment is completed and he has been given the all clear by his specialist.

Greenwell added: “Ben is still in light training but under advice from the specialist he is unable to play for three months. We are confident the treatment will resolve the problem."

Jones-Bishop is no stranger to severe injuries after he fractured his skull back in 2010 whilst on loan to Harlequins.